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371

April 4

Mrs. J.S.. Lavell, sec. &c

Dear Madam: In reply to yours of the 31st ult. relating to the employment of Normal School Pupils as teachers next year, I would say:

1st The best and most advanced pupils are but children in years and growth. They are not mature enough to go away from home, and become responsible for themselves and a school. We have a splendid harvest in prospect but next year is too soon to reap it. Remember that yesterday this people celebrate the third anniversary of their freedom (the fall of Richmond) What can you expect of young people — none of whom are yet three years olds in literary opportunity. Still the whole school, almost, might teach quite usefully, if their knowledge was tenanted in more worldly wise heads in full grown bodies.

2 There are, however, a few, perhaps three or four